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Young adult caregivers: A first look at an unstudied population

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  • Levine, C.
  • Hunt, G.G.
  • Halper, D.
  • Hart, A.Y.
  • Lautz, J.
  • Gould, D.A.

Abstract

Objectives. We examined the prevalence, characteristics, and responsibilities of young adults aged 18 to 25 years who are caregivers for ill, elderly, or disabled family members or friends. Methods. We analyzed 2 previously published national studies (from 1998 and 2004) of adult caregivers. Results. Young adult caregivers make up between 12% and 18% of the total number of adult caregivers. Over half are male, and the average age is 21. Most young adults are caring for a female relative, most often a grandmother. Young adult caregivers identified a variety of unmet needs, including obtaining medical help, information, and help making end-of-life decisions. Conclusions. Analysis of these 2 surveys broadens our understanding of the spectrum of family caregivers by focusing on caregivers between the ages of 18 and 25 years. The high proportion of young men raises questions about the appropriateness of current support services, which are typically used by older women. Concerted efforts are essential to ensure that young adults who become caregivers are not deterred from pursuing educational and career goals.

Suggested Citation

  • Levine, C. & Hunt, G.G. & Halper, D. & Hart, A.Y. & Lautz, J. & Gould, D.A., 2005. "Young adult caregivers: A first look at an unstudied population," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 95(11), pages 2071-2075.
    • Handle: RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:10.2105/ajph.2005.067702_2
    DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2005.067702
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    Cited by:

    1. Maggie T. Ornstein & Christine C. Caruso, 2024. "The Social Ecology of Caregiving: Applying the Social–Ecological Model across the Life Course," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(1), pages 1-10, January.
    2. Camille Bou, 2023. "Factors Associated with the Quality-of-Life of Young Unpaid Carers: A Systematic Review of the Evidence from 2003 to 2019," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(6), pages 1-15, March.
    3. Bou, Camille, 2023. "Factors associated with the quality-of-life of young unpaid carers: a systematic review of the evidence from 2003 to 2019," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 118357, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    4. Amanda Kastrinos & Kelsey Bacharz & Emily L. Mroz & Carla L. Fisher & Allison J. Applebaum, 2023. "A Mixed-Method Examination of Emerging and Young Adult Cancer Caregivers’ Experiences during the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(8), pages 1-14, April.
    5. Basilie Chevrier & Aurélie Untas & Géraldine Dorard, 2022. "Are We All the Same When Faced with an Ill Relative? A Person-Oriented Approach to Caring Activities and Mental Health in Emerging Adult Students," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(13), pages 1-18, July.
    6. Marianne Saragosa & Melissa Frew & Shoshana Hahn-Goldberg & Ani Orchanian-Cheff & Howard Abrams & Karen Okrainec, 2022. "The Young Carers’ Journey: A Systematic Review and Meta Ethnography," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(10), pages 1-25, May.
    7. Nagl-Cupal, Martin & Prajo, Natasa, 2019. "It is something special: How children and their parents experience a camp for young people who care for a parent with a severe physical illness," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 107(C).
    8. Giulia Landi & Kenneth I. Pakenham & Roberto Cattivelli & Silvana Grandi & Eliana Tossani, 2022. "Caregiving Responsibilities and Mental Health Outcomes in Young Adult Carers during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Longitudinal Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(22), pages 1-17, November.
    9. Hinke M. van der Werf & Marie Louise A. Luttik & Alice de Boer & Petrie F. Roodbol & Wolter Paans, 2022. "Growing up with a Chronically Ill Family Member—The Impact on and Support Needs of Young Adult Carers: A Scoping Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(2), pages 1-16, January.
    10. Emma Armstrong-Carter & A. T. Panter & Bryant Hutson & Elizabeth A. Olson, 2022. "A university-wide survey of caregiving students in the US: Individual differences and associations with emotional and academic adjustment," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 9(1), pages 1-10, December.

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